Ghana’s President John Mahama has called on the country to rally behind head coach Otto Addo and his staff after the Black Stars clinched a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo, who faced heavy criticism earlier in the campaign, led Ghana to qualification with an outstanding record and will now guide the team to back-to-back global finals.
The appeal comes after a turbulent year in which calls for Addo’s dismissal grew following the AFCON qualifying disappointment with some casting doubt over his competence.
Taking charge for a second stint with two matchdays already played, Addo masterminded seven wins and one draw from eight qualifiers under his watch, scoring 22 goals and conceding five—an 87.5% win rate.
The run included a gritty 2–1 win away to Mali, a wild 4–3 victory over the Central African Republic, a comprehensive 5–0 success against Chad, and a commanding 3–0 triumph in Madagascar.
Ghana then saw the job through with a professional home win to confirm top spot in Group I.
Retained by the Ghana Football Association, the Germany-trained coach and former Ghana star rebuilt the side’s structure and belief, delivered results under pressure and, ultimately, qualification.
With qualification now secured in an emphatic fashion, Ghana President Mahama says the coach must be given the peace of mind to the coach to ensure he prepares the side well for the World Cup.
“Let us give the management and technical team some peace. I know that we are 33 million coaches in Ghana but please let us keep our coaching to ourselves,” President Mahama told Sporty FM on Monday.
“Let the coaches and managers handle the team without distracting them… these days of social media people can say hurtful things that would affect the mental health of the players.
"So please refrain from some of these things… and support the Black Stars to the hilt.”
Otto Addo's turnaround in numbers
Beyond the raw figures, Addo’s game model—compact out of possession, quick in transition and dangerous at set pieces—steadied a squad that had been under scrutiny.
Senior figures such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams delivered at key moments, while emerging options added depth and energy.
'Back off and let them work'
Mahama’s intervention targets the fevered debate that often surrounds the national team. “Sometimes we get so emotional and we start insulting some of the players and all that,” the President said, warning that online pile-ons damage confidence as well as mental health.
His message: the technical team should be allowed to manage selection, tactics and preparation without interference as they plot Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance.
'A coach's redemption'
Once questioned for inexperience and selections, Addo has now become the first person to qualify Ghana for two World Cups as head coach, having also steered the team to Qatar 2022.
His calm touchline manner, attention to detail and willingness to tweak shapes in-game have earned renewed respect from fans and former critics alike.
With qualification secured, the focus shifts to consolidating the spine of the team, sharpening attacking efficiency and scheduling strong warm-up opponents ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Mahama, the roadmap is simple: unity, support and trust. For Addo, the task is to turn a restorative qualifying campaign into a compelling World Cup run.
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